Gloucester Rugby welcomes Jamie McDonald to Kingsholm

Gloucester Rugby can announce today that Jamie McDonald will be a guest of the club for Saturday afternoon's clash with Newcastle Falcons (kick off 3pm)

A huge fan of the club, Jamie has spent the last 11 months of his life running unaided from the Atlantic to Pacific coasts of Canada, an incredible feat of 5,000 miles raising more than £250,000 for children in both Canada and the UK.

Dressed as the superhero Flash, Jamie caught the imagination of the county and the world as he embarked on the hugely challenging feat.

The incredible fundraiser had already cycled the 14,000 miles from Bangkok to Gloucester and even broke the world static cycling record held at Gloucester Docks - cycling constantly for a jaw dropping 268 hours, 32 minutes and 44 seconds.

Jamie will be in attendance at Kingsholm on Saturday afternoon and it is a chance for the Gloucester Rugby supporters to show their appreciation for the money he has raised for great causes as well as the superb feats he has achieved.

Jamie will be running out with the team and taking part in the pre-match run in front of the Shed, and keep your eyes peeled at half time where Jamie will be chatting with Stadium Announcer Graham Spring.

Fly-half Billy Burns was named Man of the Match after the 35-14 European Rugby Challenge Cup victory over Stade Rochelais on Thursday evening, and was full of praise for all his team mates for the win after a short turnaround.

Gloucester have been in good form in recent weeks, but Backs Coach Tim Taylor knows that the Cherry and Whites will have to be at their best on Thursday evening (kick off 7:45pm) against a Stade Rochelais side flying high this season.

Speaking to GRTV after the bonus point win over Bristol, back row Lewis Ludlow revealed that despite a tricky first half, Gloucester backed their skills to come through, a faith that was evident in a strong second half showing.

Willi Heinz scored Gloucester's second try as the Cherry and Whites overturned a disappointing first 40 minutes and 0-6 half time deficit, to earn a 26-18 Aviva Premiership victory over Bristol Rugby on Saturday.

Gloucester's much changed side had to overcome conceding an early try on Thursday evening, but responded in style to down Stade Rochelais by 35 points to 14 in the European Rugby Challenge Cup and set up a mouthwatering return fixture next weekend.

After taking 11 points from their last three games in the Aviva Premiership, including bonus point wins against Wasps and Bristol, Gloucester will be looking to continue their good form when they welcome La Rochelle to Kingsholm.